Updated January 31, 2012

As a health authority, it is essential that the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) take a leading role in protecting anyone who visits our sites from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Tobacco-related illnesses are the leading cause of preventable death in B.C., resulting in about 6,000 deaths each year, including over 100 non-smokers.

Thousands more British Columbians become sick from either tobacco use or second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke causes the same diseases as smoking, including heart and lung disease, and cancers of the lung, bladder, blood, kidney and nasal passages.

That’s why, as of March 1, 2008, the buildings and grounds of all PHSA owned properties will become smoke-free, including many of our agencies. We are working in coordination with the other five health authorities in B.C. who will also see their properties become smoke-free in 2008.

For many of our sites, this means that staff, patients, and visitors who wish to smoke will need to go outside our property boundaries to do so.

Some people who smoke may prefer to refrain from smoking while visiting our sites. If you’re one of them, we encourage you to take advantage of the many resources that exist for people who wish to reduce or quit smoking.